How to Use a Triple-Beam Balance

1. How to Use a Triple-Beam Balance by John Erickson Next

2. Balance Setup • Move all three sliders so that they read ‘zero’. • Make sure that there is nothing on the pan and that it is clean. • Check to see if the balance reads zero. Balance reads zero – click here Balance doesn’t read zero – click here Show the parts of a balance Back

3. Balance Setup • Your balance isn’t reading zero so you need to turn the thumbscrew to adjust the balance until it reads zero Next Show the parts of a balance Back

4. Balance Setup • Your balance is ready to measure. Place object to be weighed on the pan. Make sure that no part of the object is supported by the table. Next Show the parts of a balance Back

5. Moving Sliders • Move the sliders, beginning with the largest. When moving a slider causes the balance to tip, move the slider back to the previous position. • Move the next slider until it tips the balance. Place is in the previous position. • Move the final slider until the balance reads zero. Next Show the parts of a balance Back

6. Reading Sliders • Read each of the sliders and add their weights together. The sliders indicate the mass is: 373 g Back Next

7. Reading Sliders • When you read the last slider, notice that the smaller lines represent tenths. Back Next

8. Reading Sliders • This measurement is past the third line following the 3 on small slider. This indicates a mass of: 373.3 g Back Next

9. Reading Sliders • To maximize the number of digits in the measurement we estimate the last number. Since the slider is actually about halfway between 3.3 and 3.4, we record 3.35 373.35 g Back Next

10. Parts of a Balance Zero Mark Sliders Pan Thumbscrew Back